This month, we feature two stories with powerful memories spanning a spectrum of emotions.
Our hallowed World War II, Korean and Vietnam veterans are disappearing. It is estimated that only 119,500 WWII veterans are still alive. Living Vietnam veterans total about 850,000.
Since 2005, the Honor Flight organization has been working to ensure our older veterans have the opportunity to visit Washington, D.C., to see their war memorial and be treated like the heroes they are. The trip also affords them the chance to reconnect with fellow veterans and share stories with those who truly understand. For some, the journey is healing.
Writer Craig Reed recently traveled on an Honor Flight mission from Oregon. His story about the trip begins on page 12.
Craig wasn’t just following along on this trip; he was a guardian for 28-year Navy veteran LeRoy Johnson, of Terrebonne, Oregon. Craig was able to see Washington, D.C., through LeRoy’s eyes.
While privy to many war stories, most too salty to share, Craig heard one about when LeRoy had to go ashore to fix a plane in a war zone. With bullets zinging overhead, LeRoy was happy to return to his ship.
LeRoy was more at home in D.C. while greeting a crowd of teenagers gathered to high-five the veterans and thank them for their service. A momentary bond was formed in that exchange between generations.
If you know a WWII or Vietnam veteran who has not taken an Honor Flight trip, please encourage them to consider it. You can find information on the nearest chapter at honorflight.org.
Our Up Close feature on page 10 might bring out the child in all of you. The historic Jantzen Beach Carousel that lived in Portland, Oregon, for years is now in The Dalles, Oregon, and is being restored to its former glory. More than 100 years old, the carousel holds memories for many families, including mine. It is one of the largest wooden carousels in North America and features four rows of 72 horses and two chariots.
It won’t be long before calliope music is playing again.